Old Jefferson: Upriver and a world away

Drive down St. Charles Avenue until it ends at River Road, and a transformation begins to happen; city streets give way to rolling grass levees and country-like roads as you drive further up River Road and enter Old Jefferson. How is it possible to be only minutes from Louisiana's largest city, yet enjoy the serenity of such a quiet, laid back community? It's hard to say, but In Old Jefferson it's a feeling many families have known for generations.

"We live in a small cottage that my grandparents built," Zach Tyson of TYSON CONSTRUCTION said. "Because we love our neighborhood so much, we are ... building our dream home right around the corner."

Since Old Jefferson has been a local's secret for a long time, it's easy to find a wide range of home types and prices. Patti Gracianette with GARDNER, REALTORS said that in this compact area, buyers can find everything from a small condo to a large family home. Despite its humble presence, however, increased attention has come with even more value-adding development.

"What's so great about this neighborhood is the convenience," Gracianette said. "There's wonderful shopping right next door in the Elmwood area that has exploded with new retail stores, new restaurants ... so many other options that are just minutes away."

One anchor to the neighborhood is Ochsner. Having a world-class medical facility down the block, Gracianette notes, is a big convenience for families young and old. Headquartered in Old Jefferson, the medical center is "constantly expanding" according to Tyson, which helps stabilize home values. It also brings many jobs and a growing population of young professionals.

"We're noticing that more young families, like us, are moving into the neighborhood," Tyson said.

But it's not just medical staff that are taking a second look. With its close proximity to Uptown, college students are increasingly taking up residence in the established neighborhood. Gracianette said that the "older homes and lots of trees they love" can be had for less, with a very easy commute to Uptown.

In fact, one of the appealing factors to Old Jefferson is affordability. As a resident, Tyson finds that even being close to the Mississippi River levee, owners experience lower flood insurance rates than surrounding areas. This comes on top of slightly lower per-square-foot prices and lower property taxes. But as Gracianette points out, the lower costs don't require buyers to compromise on the type of home they're getting.

Patty Rodgers, an agent with LATTER & BLUM, Inc., / REALTORS, talked to the specifics of property values in Old Jefferson. " Properties in average condition are selling for $95 per square foot whereas properties in excellent condition are selling between $153 to $193 per square foot depending on house size, lot size and location. She also mentioned that the new Huey P. Long bridge expansion has made for an easier commute across the river to the West bank adding even more convenience to the Old Jefferson's location.

"I love [Old] Jefferson because it is both charming and affordable," Gracianette, who said she has sold many cottages in the area, said. "They have the cottage style homes like Uptown, the Garden District and Lakeview, but in Old Jefferson buyers get a bit more house and more land for the money."

At the end of the day, however, it's the laid back life that seems to appeal to most buyers. Though only 10 minutes from the CBD and Louis Armstrong International, Old Jefferson sits a world away from the rush of daily life. Tyson said he and his wife enjoy frequent, peaceful walks and bike rides along the levee with the dog.

"We love having the Mississippi River levee just steps away," Tyson said. "It's a really quiet, laid-back community, and we love the feel of the neighborhood."